‘In This Together’

DELAWARE, Ohio – When it comes to COVID-19, “we’re in this together,” Ohio Wesleyan University’s professors say. In response, they have created a free online course to explore the coronavirus pandemic from the perspectives of biology, politics, psychology, humanities, the arts, and other academic areas.

“Like everyone affected by this virus,” professor Laurie Anderson says, “the Ohio Wesleyan faculty have been asking: What can we do? How can we help our students, our communities, and ourselves as we all cope with the isolation that is absolutely necessary to protect and support those working in essential services?

“This course is one answer, and for me,” says Anderson, Ph.D., “the message of the course is this: In the midst of this crisis, seek facts, demand evidence, explore unexpected connections, respect and listen to multiple perspectives, and don’t just hope for a better future – build one.”

The 10-week course – titled “We’re in This Together: An Interdisciplinary Exploration of the Coronavirus Pandemic” – will begin the week of April 27 and conclude the week of June 30. It will meet virtually twice a week – at 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays – and use lectures, panel discussions, and class questions to explore the lasting effects of COVID-19 on the global society.

The class is free for everyone, including new and current Ohio Wesleyan students (who are able to register for .25 academic credits), prospective students, family members, alumni, Lifelong Learning Institute participants, and area residents. Registration is available at owu.edu/COVIDclass. It is required for students and requested for others in order to share links to the discussion sessions, reading materials, and schedule updates.

“The general public will be able to participate by watching the lectures, and if they register, they will be signed up to log into the ‘Meet the Profs’ sessions and have access to the readings,” said Ashley Biser, Ph.D., associate dean for curriculum. “Registration is free, but we ask those who are able to make a small donation to the OWU Fund’s Emergency Needs Fund to support students with COVID-related expenses.”

Each of the twice-a-week sessions will be either a single 30-40-minute lecture or a panel discussion lasting up to 75 minutes. Optional “Meet the Profs” sessions with that week’s presenters will be held at 4 p.m. Thursdays (for students) and at noon Fridays (all others).

The course will be conducted on Ohio Wesleyan’s YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/OhioWesleyanU, and recordings of all presentations will be posted following the live events. Anyone may listen to the lectures and discussions live or recorded without registration.

Current course topics and presenters are as follows. (For the latest information, visit owu.edu/COVIDclass.)

Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 90 undergraduate majors and competes in 25 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through Ohio Wesleyan’s signature OWU Connection program, students integrate knowledge across disciplines, build a diverse and global perspective, and apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book “Colleges That Change Lives” and included in the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review “best colleges” lists. Learn more at www.owu.edu.